Obituary of Eugene Heller

Eugene “Gene” Heller was born in Denver on April 18, 1925, and died of natural causes on December 12, 2025. His life was defined by his boundless energy, his joyful desire to learn and explore, and his deep love for his family and community.

Gene joined the United States Navy which paid for college and medical school at the University of Colorado, where he later became a Professor of Surgery. He completed medical school in just three years, graduating in 1949, as he was called to serve as a physician aboard the Naval ship, Repose, during the Korean War. He completed two residencies in Urology: one at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore and one at the U.S. Naval Hospital.  As a young doctor, he earned a reputation for being able to diagnose anything. He loved his time on the ship as it provided him extraordinary surgical training as well as the opportunity to experience foreign cultures.

Following his military service, Gene built a long and distinguished medical career as a urologist. He was beloved by patients and colleagues, spending the bulk of his career at Rose Hospital. He became the longest-serving Chief of Staff, a role that reflected not only his clinical excellence but the trust and respect he earned from his colleagues. Gene had a big heart and generously offered pro bono medical services to patients throughout his career.  He continued his career at the Social Security Administration after his retirement from surgical practice.

Gene was an outdoor enthusiast and a gifted athlete. A passionate skier, he also loved to hike, bike, mountain climb, and play tennis and golf. He had a deep appreciation for beauty — he was a lover of art, a talented photographer, and a gourmet cook who took great pleasure in sharing meals with those he loved.

Gene married Marilyn Safran in 1949, with whom he had three daughters (Linda, Judy and Audrey). In 1973, Gene married Lily Appelman, with whom he had one daughter (Jennifer). Together with Lily, his partner in life and travel, they explored the world, Lily always by his side.  Later in life, Gene was delighted to discover that he was also the genetic father of a daughter, Terry Schwartz, a connection formed through sperm donation during his medical school years.  The relationship brought him and his family great joy in his later years.

Gene was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and community member. He is survived by his wife, Lily Appelman; his brother, Stuart Heller (Judy); his daughters, Linda Treibitz (Alan), Judy Heller (Mark Muller), Audrey Heller, Jennifer Heller, and Terry Schwartz (Jon Perlman); eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Gene will be remembered for his even temperament, his joie de vivre, his wide-ranging interests and intellect, and the steadiness with which he showed up for others. Donations in his memory can be made to B’nai Havurah or Jewish Family Service.

Funeral service, Monday December 15^th, 1:00 PM, Feldman Mortuary Chapel; Interment to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.